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Confident, Bold, Sexy, Energetic, Glamorous, Daring, Making a Statement, Passionate, Iconic.Oh, the power of aRed Lip.♥

–words by Simone Silverman

-photographyAndrew Yee-makeupRegina Harris

When I was a young girl, I remember seeing images of Paloma Picasso and thinking how glamorous she looked with her scarlet lips. I found her look so inspiring that I too wanted to make a bold red lip my signature look. However, I didn’t feel comfortable with sporting a red lip until I was in my 30’s and then only on special occasions. Now at the age of 49, red lipstick is the workhorse item in my makeup bag. I completely disagree with conventional views, such as older women should dial down their makeup or bold makeup is not age appropriate. All I can say is that when I wear a red lip, my teeth look whiter, it brightens my complexion, and if I am tired or haven’t had enough sleep, it somehow brings a look of vitality.

The other thing I adore is that it has many moods. An opaque matte lip exudes old-school glamour. A glossy sheer red is fresh and casual. For me, the perfect result is achieved by keeping the rest of the face simple. Not being a morning person and preferring a speedy makeup regime, my usual everyday look is very minimal. I like glowy natural skin and a velvety matte lip. Red of course! I apply straight from the tube, blot with a tissue, clean up the edges with my finger and any excess I dab on my cheeks as blush. I then do the old trick of sucking on my finger to hope there is no transfer to my teeth. I don’t know if this really helps, but it has become a habit.

“I consider red lipstickthe LBD of makeup.”

For touching up during the day my iPhone camera is an ideal compact mirror. There are so many great long-wearing lipsticks out there, though I have to say, that none will look lovely or have any staying power if the skin on your lips is not in good shape. I sleep with a slathering of Lucas Paw Paw ointment on my lips. I swear by this product. However, never apply lipstick straight on top of this ointment or any kind of thick balms. If so, guaranteed that lipstick will travel. I truly believe that anyone can wear a red lip and experience its magic powers. There are so many great choices and the formulations have become so refined. I have thoroughly enjoyed putting this post together of this beloved item. For those who feel it doesn’t suit them, I hope I can inspire you to embrace a joyous swipe of red.Red lippy forever. MWAH!

-Simone xo

Belinda Beckerhas always loved and worn a red lip. This talented and gorgeous DJ, dancer, and actor says ‘I don’t wear a lot of makeup, so lipstick is my one go-to item. My favorite red right now is Velvet Merlot by Milani.’

To pair with this bold lip makeup artist Regina Harris gave Belinda a beautiful modern version of a cat-eye using Maybelline’s Eyestudio- Lasting Drama-Gel Pencil Eyeliner in Lustrous Sapphire –Total Temptation Mascara in Blackest Black and ‘Total Temptation Eyebrow Definer pencil in Dark Brown. All available: www.maybelline.com

Lipstick by RMS Beauty: Wild with Desire inRMS Red

Lipstick by Laura Mercier: Velour Extreme Matte inFire

Growing out my hair to its natural silvery shade has inspired me to update the colors I wear, especially in regards to my makeup. Much to my surprise I have become drawn to warmer red lip shades and have even embraced glossier textures. There is something to be said for the brightening effect a gloss brings to the face. Red shiny lips remind me of the forever inspiring Marilyn Monroe. Her red lips were always so sexy. I challenge anyone to find an image of her with a matte red lip.To pair with the RMS Beauty Lipstick, Regina gave me glowing skin by using RMS Beauty – Buriti Bronzer and the essential glow-getter Living Luminizer. All available: www.rmsbeauty.comHowever when I need to feel super confident or make a statement. I always rely on a beautiful bold opaque matte lip to give me strength. There is something just so powerful and grown up. So very tres chic!To pair with the Laura Mercier Lipstick, Regina gave me lightweight flawless coverage with Laura Mercier -Tinted Moisturizer- Illuminating in Bare Radiance. For the eyes, Matte Eye Shadow in Cashmere & Long Lash Mascara in Black. All available: www.lauramercier.com

Lipstick by MAC Cosmetics: Matte Lipstick and Lip Glass in Ruby Woo

I think this image sums up why M.A.C’s Ruby Woo has become Iconic. It suits everyone and its staying power is legendary. I was thrilled to learn it came in a gloss variation shown here on Belinda. I remember buying my first tube in my late 20’s. It’s perfection!To pair with Ruby Woo, Regina defined our eyes with False Lashes Mascara in False Black.+ Brushstroke Liner in Brushblack. All available: www.maccosmetics.com

RED LIP TIPSREGINA HARRIS-makeup artistAnyone can wear a red lip. It’s about finding the shade, texture, and finish that suits you. It’s also about finding your comfort zone and inspiration. Some women love reds to be bold; others prefer a sheer stain. It’s about experimenting and finding what you like.Finding the right shade:There are 3 basic types of red lipstick colors.Blue Reds have pink, cherry, fuchsia undertones. Orange Reds have coral, and of course orange undertones. True Reds seem to have a balance of both. I don’t follow conventional ideas that each skin tone/colorings look better with a certain cool or warm shade. I’ve seen women who have warm-toned olive skin that look amazing in a blue/red tone. Contrast can look so beautiful. At the end of the day test as many different colors and see what you are drawn to. You will know immediately when one works.Lip Shapes:Thin lips– Women with thin lips should not shy away from a red lip. I actually think it can look really cool. Think back to the 1920s when a thin red lip was all the rage. A bright red lip will actually add fullness. The trick is to use a glossy texture or something with shimmer. Full lips- I think matte, velvety textures look amazing on full lips.

Application/Technique:Prep: Lips need to be well conditioned and smooth for red lipstick to adhere evenly and last. I think lip scrubs are fantastic and help remove flaky skin. Both Fresh (Sugar Lip Polish) and Bite Beauty (Agave Sugar Lip Scrub) make great lip polishes.Or you can easily make your own by mixing a little sugar & coconut oil to make a thick paste. Lip Primers such as M.A.C (Prep + Prime Lip) and Bite Beauty (Line + Define Lip Primer) are also quite beneficial at refining the lips and giving a smooth surface.Matte/Velvet finish:Bold reds in this finish look wonderful. You need to build the color to get a nice opaque look. To have a defined edge or morph the shape and size of the lip, a lip pencil is a great tool. I like to use the same or very similar shade to the lipstick. After you have made your line use the side of the pencil and go along the inside of the line, so it diffuses the hard line. Then you can apply the lipstick on the lip directly from the tube. Blot with a tissue and build up the layers until you reach the opacity you like.Satin/Gloss finish: These are easy to wear and can be applied lightly as a subtle stain or again build up for a more creamy or glossy look. You can even apply with your fingertip and press into lips.-Regina Harris X

I love this post so much!
I have also my blog in France and maybe we can exchange some ideas 🙏🏻
I share your pic on my Pinterest today!
I love your hairs I don’t know if you do something on them but they look gorgeous !
Have a lovely Sunday
Ida